And just like that, many people's #1 choice is no more. MM and Barrows have informed us all that Scott Linehan declined the 49ers OC position. Since Rick Dennison was retained in Denver, that leaves Browns OC Rob Chudzinski and Colts WR coach Clyde Christensen as th remaining OC candidates.
Linehand indicated the decision was not business-related and was a strictly personal choice:
Linehan said his reasons for declining the job offer were "all personal." Linehan and his wife, Kristen, have three young boys, the oldest of whom will be entering high school. The family has never lived in the same place for more than three years since Linehan broke into coaching in 1989.
"When I was 25, these decisions were made and I'd grab my luggage and go," he said. "Now, at 45, with three kids, trying to figure out the right thing is different. It was a lot easier when I was 25 - it was not so complicated."
Of the two remaining candidates I am intrigued by Chudzinski. He is more of a passing game guy, as seen by his time in Cleveland. However, his use of tight end Kellen Winslow makes for some intriguing options with Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker.
According to Barrows, Singletary and McCloughan will meet this evening to discuss the remaining candidates and any possible internal candidates.